Carpooling with Jesus: Daily Christian Devotions for Kids and Families

July 22nd: Already Loved Before the School Year Starts | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

Hey Carpool Crew! Whether you’re back-to-school shopping or still hunting down that one missing shoe, today’s reminder is big: You don’t have to earn God’s love—because you already have it.
As the school year approaches, it’s normal to feel nervous. What if you mess up? What if you don’t get the grade you hoped for? What if you forget your lunch on the first day? But Luke 12:7 reminds us that we are worth more than many sparrows—and that means you are seen, known, and deeply loved by God.
In this episode, Pastor Justin helps kids step into a new school year with confidence, not pressure. Jesus doesn’t care about your report card—He cares about your heart.
👟 A simple prayer to start the school day📚 A better way to think about school stress💬 What Jesus might say walking into school with you💡 Practical ways to live like someone already loved
Verse of the Day:“Don’t be afraid… you are worth more than many sparrows.” — Luke 12:7 (CSB)
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July 21st: Is Jesus really with Me? | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

Hey Carpool Crew! Whether you’re zipping off to school or starting homeschool in your pajamas—I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here.
Today’s episode is all about a BIG promise Jesus made: He’s always with you.Even at your desk. Even during a test. Even at recess.
📖 Verse of the Day:Matthew 28:20 (CSB) – “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
We’ll explore:
Why Jesus said this right before going back to heaven
How this promise wasn’t just for the disciples—but for YOU
What Jesus might say if He were sitting with you in the car today
Real-life ways to notice Jesus walking with you through your day
✅ Kid Life Application:
Pray before a test
Ask Jesus for courage when you feel left out
Be kind and include others at recess
Pause and remember: You’re never alone
🎯 Big Idea: Jesus is with you… always. Even at school.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parent Tip:If today’s episode encouraged your family, leave a rating or review—it helps more families join the Carpool Crew!
🗣 Today’s Discussion Question:What’s one way you can act differently today, knowing that Jesus is with you at all times—even at school?
🔗 Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
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July 18th: How to Be a Friend Who Shows Up | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

Hey Carpool Crew!Whether you're heading to a friend's house or just riding along on errands, I'm Pastor Justin—and I'm so glad you're here.
Today’s verse comes from Job 2:13 (CSB):
“Then they sat on the ground with him seven days and nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw that his suffering was very intense.”
Sometimes, the best way to be a good friend isn’t saying the perfect thing—it’s just showing up. In this episode, we explore how Job’s friends got it right—by sitting with him in silence when he was hurting—and what that teaches us about love, friendship, and being present like Jesus.
Kids will learn:
Why listening is more powerful than talking
How Jesus responded to people who were hurting
Practical ways to be a gentle, supportive friend at school, at home, or anywhere life takes you
Jesus doesn’t ask us to fix everyone’s problems. He just asks us to be there with love and kindness.
🔊 Discussion Question for Families:What’s one way you can be a better friend to someone who’s sad—even without saying anything?
🔗 Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
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July 17th: The Greatest Kind of Friend | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

Hey Carpool Crew! Whether you’re cruising to your next summer adventure or just headed home, Pastor Justin is here with a powerful reminder: real friendship looks a lot like Jesus.
In today’s episode, we explore John 15:13 (CSB) —
“No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus didn’t just say it—He lived it. Right before going to the cross, He taught His disciples that true love is sacrificial, strong, and loyal.This kind of friendship isn’t about popularity or always getting along—it’s about serving, giving, and loving even when it’s hard.
🎒 Today’s Big Lesson:Being a great friend doesn’t mean being perfect—it means putting others first. Whether it’s letting someone else have the last cookie or standing up for a friend at recess, Jesus shows us how.
🗣️ What Would Jesus Say Today?“You don’t have to be perfect to be My friend—I already chose you. And I showed you how to love by giving everything for you.”
✅ Real-life applications for kids:
Let someone else go first
Stand up for a friend
Include someone new
Forgive quickly
📣 Parents:If this episode encouraged your family, share it with your school, small group, or church—and let’s grow a generation of kids who love like Jesus.
💬 Car Chat Question:What’s one way you can be the kind of friend Jesus described—someone who gives, loves, and puts others first?
🔗 Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
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July 16th: You Were Never Meant to Do Life Alone | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

In today’s episode of Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin shares why we all need people by our side — especially when life gets hard. Whether you're camping with friends, hanging out in the backyard, or just having a tough day, this episode reminds us that God designed us for community.
📖 Today’s Bible verse comes from Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (CSB):"Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up."
Kids will learn what King Solomon — one of the wisest people who ever lived — had to say about friendship, support, and sticking together. Pastor Justin explains how Jesus modeled real friendship and how we can follow His lead by being the kind of friend who shows up, helps out, and lifts others up when they fall.
🎯 In this episode, kids will discover:
Why God doesn’t want us to go through life alone
What it really means to “fall” (and how to help someone when they do)
How Jesus showed up for others — and how we can too
Practical ways to be a helper at home, at school, or at camp
🎒Discussion question:What’s one way you can be a better helping hand to someone this week?
📸 Parents! If your kids loved today’s devotional, take a screenshot and share it on Instagram with what your family took away from the episode. Tag us @MarinersChurch and let’s spread the message!
🔗 Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
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July 15th: How to Be a Real Friend (Even When It’s Hard) | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

What makes a real friend?Is it someone who plays video games with you? Shares their snacks? Always invites you to the birthday party?
In this episode of Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin digs into what the Bible says about real, loyal, stick-with-you friendship—even when life gets messy. Using Proverbs 17:17, we’ll discover what it means to love our friends not just during the good times, but in the hard moments too.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
What the Bible says about loyal friendship
How Jesus modeled friendship through forgiveness, sacrifice, and love
How to be the kind of friend who shows up when others need it most
What to look for in a true friend—and how to be one
🎒Perfect for summer car rides, snack breaks, or a quick devo with your kids before bed!
💬 Discussion Question:When is it hardest to be a good friend—and what would it look like to love someone even then?
🔗 Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
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July 14th: Jesus Helps Us Fix Friendships | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

Has your summer day ever gone from awesome to awful in seconds?One minute you're eating ice cream with your cousin, the next… you're in a full-blown gummy worm war. Or maybe you were chilling in the pool, and splash! — someone crosses the line and suddenly it’s a sibling showdown.
In this episode of Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin helps kids navigate arguments and fights—whether it's with a friend, a sibling, or even a loud neighbor. Using Matthew 5:23–24, we explore what Jesus teaches us about making peace and choosing reconciliation over staying mad.
💡 What You'll Learn:
What Jesus says to do when you're in a fight
A real-life poolside story from Pastor Justin’s family
Practical steps to stop, think, pray, and act
How saying “sorry” first is actually a power move
Perfect for car rides, breakfast tables, or post-cannonball cooldowns.
💬 Discussion Question:What’s one way you can take a step toward peace with someone today—even if they splashed you in the face or took your favorite floaty?
🔗 Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
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July 11th: Why Hard Work Matters to God | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

Today’s a big day—Pastor Justin and his family are moving to a brand new home! And while moving is a ton of work (hello, heavy boxes and LEGO chaos), it’s also the perfect reminder that God sees and values hard work. In this episode, kids will learn that when we work hard with the right heart, we’re doing it for Jesus—not just people!
We explore Colossians 3:23 (CSB):“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.”
Perfect for the end of summer, this devotional encourages kids to see the value in helping out, finishing strong, and doing even the smallest jobs with a great attitude. Whether it’s cleaning up, helping pack, or prepping for a new school year—this episode helps kids understand how every task matters to God.
 
🔗 Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
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July 10th: What Should You Wear on Your Heart? | Colossians 3:12 for Kids | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

Hey Carpool Crew! Whether you’re tying your shoes or chilling in your pajamas, this episode is all about what to “put on” each day—not clothes, but character.
In today’s devotional, Pastor Justin unpacks Colossians 3:12 (CSB):“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Written by the apostle Paul from prison nearly 2,000 years ago, this letter to the believers in Colossae reminds us that we are chosen and deeply loved by God—and that should change how we live.
In this kid-focused episode, your family will discover:
What Paul meant when he said to “put on” qualities like kindness and humility
A short history lesson about where the letter to the Colossians came from
Practical ways for kids to show compassion, gentleness, and patience
What Jesus might say to your child today as they get ready for the day
Why the way we treat people matters—because of the love we’ve already been given
This episode helps kids understand that just like getting dressed in the morning, we get to choose to wear love, kindness, and patience as we follow Jesus.
 
💬 Discussion Question:Which one of those “heart clothes” do you think God wants you to wear more this week—and how can you put it on each day?
 
🔗 Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
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July 9th: God Watches Over You Everywhere You Go | Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

Hey Carpool Crew! Whether you're off on a big adventure or just pulling into the driveway with groceries, today’s episode is about one powerful truth:God is with you—wherever you go.
Join Pastor Justin as he unpacks Psalm 121:8 (CSB):“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever.”
This verse is part of the Songs of Ascent, a collection of Psalms sung by travelers heading to Jerusalem. Life was rough on the road—steep climbs, long miles, and no air conditioning—but God's people reminded each other that He was with them every step of the way.
In this kid-friendly episode, your family will learn:
What “Songs of Ascent” are and why people sang them on the move
Why Psalm 121 is a perfect back pocket verse for your daily life
How Jesus watches over your every move—not just at church or during prayer
Practical ways to feel God’s presence when you're on the go
Whether you're leaving for summer camp, school drop-off, or a playdate, this episode helps kids remember: God is with you in the coming and the going—now and forever.
💬 Discussion Question:Where do you feel God with you the most—and where do you want to remember His presence more often?
🔗 Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
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